Kadzik ready to continue on Gig Harbor city council

An open mind, research are cornerstones of Kadzik’s approach

Nate Hulings

of the Gateway

Paul Kadzik likes to know what’s happening in the City of Gig Harbor, and that’s one of the reasons he’s running for another term on the Gig Harbor City Council.

Kadzik, who is running unopposed in the Nov. 3 general election, is finishing his first four-year term but has been involved with the city since 1994.

Prior to his council tenure, Kadzik spent 10 years on the city’s planning commission.

“I decided to run again because it has become part of my life now,” he said.

Big issues, such as the construction of St. Anthony Hospital or the current budget shortfall, are something the city must always be ready to tackle, Kadzik said.

In city politics, “you go from one crisis to the next,” he said. “You have to face it, deal with it, and move on.”

Kadzik said he goes to council meetings as informed as possible, but never with his mind completely set on how he’ll vote.

Before he was involved in city affairs, he said he assumed everything happened pretty much as expected. But as his time with city government increased, he realized the power of persuasion and of citizen voices.

“The system really does work,” he said.

Kadzik enjoyed his time on the planning commission because it required a great deal of research. The change from the planning commission to the council required less research and more decision-making — a jump Kadzik said he was ready to make.

Many of the things he worked on during his first term also are the reasons he’s excited for another four years.

For example, Kadzik has been collaborating with fellow council member Tim Payne and local architect David Fisher to develop a cottage housing ordinance for the city. The work has included research on other jurisdictions and visiting other cottage housing developments.

Kadzik also has been instrumental in the creation of the Gig Harbor Historic Waterfront Association and its Main Street Approach. He serves on the board of directors for the association.

The GHHWA’s goal is for the community, businesses and local government to come together in an effort to bring economic and historic growth to the harbor.

Kadzik was one of three Gig Harbor residents who traveled to Seattle in 2007 for the National Main Street Conference to gauge whether or not the area would benefit from the program.

The association still is in its building phase, which is a vital step in creating a lasting impact, he said.

“It’s a process that is slow to build, but we’re building a solid foundation,” Kadzik said.

Kadzik, who spent 21 years combined in the Air Force, Army and Army Reserves, retired at rank of lieutenant colonel.

Since 1980, he’s worked as a dentist in the Gig Harbor area and has lived in Gig Harbor’s Millville district since 1983.

Kadzik and his wife, Jan, have been married for 43 years. They have twin daughters and two grandsons.

Kadzik enjoys carpentry and works on his house and other projects. He also enjoys spending time with his grandsons.

Reach Reporter Nate Hulings at 253-853-9243 or by e-mail at nate.hulings@gateline.com.